Hungry: The Best of National Grilled Cheese Month

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month? Sign me up! The thekitchn's recent post on an avocado and jalapeño popper sandwich inspired me to compile a sandwich wishlist. These gourmet grilled cheese sandwich recipes tempt me to pull a Julie & Julia to test them all, starting with dessert. I hear a party theme - grilled cheese tasting! (Recipes are for two servings, because food is always more fun when there is enough to share...or have seconds.)

d e s s e r t

Ooh La La Love You

6 heart-shaped pieces of challah bread (giant cookie cutter)

french toast batter (4 eggs, 1c milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon)

6 large organic strawberries, sliced

4 tbsp mascarpone

4 tbsp of heaven (nutella)

whipped cream garnish

via grilledcheesesocial)

Bianca

4 oz mascarpone, room temp

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 tbsp butter, room temp

4 slices cinnamon raisin bread

2 tbsp raspberry preserves

whipped cream & fresh raspberry garnish

via grilledcheeseacademy

b e e f

Brasserie

1 tbsp evoo

2 bone-in beef short ribs

s&p

1/2 small yellow onion, 1" pieces

1 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 carrot, 1" pieces

1/2 celery stalk, 1" pieces

1/4 c port or red wine

2 c unsalted stock or broth

1/2 tbsp tomato paste

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1/4 c water

1/4 c sugar

1 red onions, sliced

4 slices country french bread

6 oz brie, sliced

via grilledcheeseacademy

e g g s

Benedict

1.5 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 eggs

s&p

4 slices canadian bacon

2 english muffins, split

2 tbsp sharp cheddar, room temperature

2 slices gouda

2 oz fresh spinach leaves

1/2 tomato, sliced

via grilledcheeseacademy

f a u n a

Calliope (yes, ours!)

4 slices of your favorite mild organic bread (multigrain, white whole, baguette)

2 slices of havarti

2-4 thin slices of roasted or smoked organic chicken breast

a handful of organic arugula

2-4 tbsp aioli (mayo, dijon, hint of garlic)

optional: avocado or roasted red peppers

Directions: Smear butter on one side of each slice of bread and aioli on the other side. Assemble and grill.

via Calliope (photo of my sandwich coming soon)

Golden Gate

1tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp red chile flakes

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 c milk

1 c coarsely grated parmesan cheese

4 freshly cut slices of sourdough

6 oz thinly sliced turkey

1/2 avocado, thinly sliced

1 tbsp chopped cilantro

2 slices muenster cheese

via myrecipes

h a m

Farmhouse

8 thin slices pancetta

8 slices brioche, 1/2" thick

4 oz sharp white cheddar, thinly sliced

1 large heirloom tomato in 4 slices

kosher salt & pepper

via foodnetwork

Franco-Italian

1 loaf ciabatta

1 lb brie

1 lb sliced applewood smoked ham

3-4 tbsp dijon

1 c roasted red peppers

via foodnetwork

v e g e t a r i a n

Grilled Veggie & Goat Cheese 

1/4 large globe eggplant, 1/3" thick rounds
s&p
1/3 each red, orange, yellow bell peppers
1/8 c olive oil
1/2 medium red onion
1/4 large zucchini, cut on diagonal into 1/3" slices
1/4 large yellow squash, "
2 oz mild goat cheese, room temperature
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced fresh basil
1/4 loaf ciabatta, 1/2" slices
balsamic vinaigrette
via ezrapoundcake

image 7 via cookgirl@food.com